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ECOTUL
FIRST PLACE
Members: Abner Abimael Chopén Balux, Sara Victoria Gallardo de León, Juan Francisco Gerardi Tuyuc Us, Stephany Dominga Vail Aceytuno, and María Dina Suy Tulul.
ECOTUL promotes regenerative tourism in Atitlán through the integration of ancestral knowledge, tul conservation, and environmental education activities. It strengthens community capacities and generates sustainable jobs. The project develops tourist routes, craft workshops, and activities for the preservation of tul as a key ecological resource. Its objectives include strengthening local capacities, recovering degraded natural areas, and positioning tul as a symbol of environmental regeneration. Its impact is reflected in dignified jobs, sustainable tourism, and cultural identity.
ZeolitAR
SECOND PLACE
Members: Dulce María de Fátima Pozuelos Rodas, Christian Joseph Smith Morales, Joseph André Portales Okrassa, and Katherine Lucía Arreaga Villeda.
ZeolitAR synthesizes NaA zeolite from sugarcane bagasse ash to treat water hardness. It transforms an industrial waste product into a high-value material and strengthens national scientific innovation. The proposal seeks to scale up zeolite production locally, reduce water treatment costs, and foster applied scientific innovation. Its objectives include establishing sustainable synthesis methodologies, improving water resource quality, and promoting advanced research. The impact extends to public health, industry, and the scientific circular economy.
Biodiesel Production
using used
frying oil
Chemical Engineering research group at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala with over 15 years of experience in the production of Biodiesel from used cooking oil. Daily capacity of 140 gallons, focused on continuous improvement to develop biofuels of different generations.
Spoilies
System that combines hardware and software to reduce post-harvest losses in fruit and vegetable products. Our approach integrates tracking, quality, and market data, with the goal of positively impacting the economy of small and large producers.
Sugarcane Bagasse Ash
for Earth-Based Binder and Analog
of Simulated Regolith
for Lunar Bases
Develop an innovative construction material using sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a lunar regolith analog, with applications both on Earth and in future lunar bases. In the terrestrial sphere, it seeks to reuse agricultural waste to create more sustainable materials, reducing dependence on traditional cement and its environmental impact. In space, it proposes facilitating the construction of lunar bases through the use of local resources, which would significantly reduce the costs and logistical challenges of space missions.
BioPhoenix
Develop an efficient process for the extraction of high-purity silicon dioxide from sugarcane bagasse ash from Guatemalan sugar mills, seeking to convert an agro-industrial waste into a value-added product.